You can get a replacement card by mail, in person, or online depending on where you live

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues replacement cards at no cost. You do not need to visit an office in person — most people can request one online through my Social Security, the SSA's official account portal, and receive it by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. If you cannot use the online option, you can apply in person at your local Social Security office or by mail using Form SS-5.

The fastest route is online if you have a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, creating it takes about 10 minutes. In-person applications at a Social Security office typically take 15 to 30 minutes, and you leave with a receipt that serves as proof of your card until the replacement arrives. Mail applications take longer — usually 2 to 4 weeks — because the SSA must verify your documents before processing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a replacement card online through my Social Security without visiting an office, and it will arrive by mail within 1 to 2 weeks.
  • You need proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency to get a replacement card.
  • If you apply in person, bring original documents or certified copies — the SSA will not accept photocopies.
  • You can request up to three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime, though most people never need more than one or two.
  • If your card was lost or stolen, you do not need to report it to the SSA first — just request a replacement and the old card becomes invalid.

What documents you need to bring or submit

The SSA requires proof of your identity and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. For identity, acceptable documents include a current driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, the SSA accepts other documents like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree, though you will need two of them.

For proof of citizenship or residency, bring your birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card (green card). If you are applying online through my Social Security, you do not submit physical documents — the system verifies your identity electronically using information from other government databases. If you apply in person or by mail, bring original documents or certified copies. The SSA does not accept photocopies or notarized copies unless they are certified by the issuing agency.

If you have changed your name since your last card was issued, bring a document proving the legal change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will issue a new card with your current legal name.

Applying online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in or create an account. You will need an email address, a phone number, and answers to security questions based on your credit history. The SSA uses this information to verify you are who you say you are. Once you are signed in, look for the "Replacement Social Security Card" option in the main menu.

The online form asks for your current address, reason for replacement (lost, stolen, damaged, or name change), and confirmation that you have not reached your replacement limit. The SSA allows up to three replacements per year. After you submit, you will see a confirmation page with a reference number. Your card will be mailed to the address on file within 1 to 2 weeks. You do not need to do anything else — no documents to mail, no office visit required.

Online replacement is available to U.S. citizens age 18 and older who have a valid driver's license or state ID. If you do not meet these requirements, you will need to apply in person or by mail.

Applying in person at a Social Security office

Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in without an appointment, though some offices now use an online appointment system. Bring your original identity document and proof of citizenship or residency. The office staff will review your documents, take your application on Form SS-5, and give you a receipt.

The receipt shows your Social Security number and serves as proof of your card until the replacement arrives by mail, usually within 2 weeks. You can use the receipt at your bank, employer, or school if they need proof of your number. Keep it in a safe place until your new card arrives. If you need the card urgently for a job or other time-sensitive reason, tell the office staff — they may be able to expedite processing, though this is not may provide.

Applying by mail with Form SS-5

Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov or request it by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Fill out the form completely, sign and date it, and make copies of your identity document and proof of citizenship or residency. Do not send original documents — send certified copies or photocopies. The SSA will not return documents you mail, so do not send anything you need to keep.

Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will receive your new card by mail at the address you provided on the form. If you do not receive it within 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

What to do if your card was lost or stolen

You do not need to report a lost or stolen card to the SSA before requesting a replacement. Simply request a new card using any of the three methods above — online, in person, or by mail. The old card is automatically invalidated once you request a replacement, so no one else can use it even if they find it.

If you are concerned about identity theft because your card was stolen along with other personal information, you can place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. A credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. Both are free and can be done online or by phone. This step is separate from getting a replacement card but may protect you if someone tries to use your Social Security number fraudulently.

Replacement limits and timeline

The SSA limits you to three replacement cards per year and nine in your lifetime. These limits exist to prevent fraud. If you have reached your limit, you must wait until the next calendar year to request another replacement, or you can visit a Social Security office in person and explain why you need an exception. The office staff can sometimes override the limit if you have a documented reason, such as a card damaged by a natural disaster.

Processing times vary by method. Online requests through my Social Security take 1 to 2 weeks. In-person applications at a Social Security office take 2 weeks on average. Mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks. If you need your card for a specific date — such as starting a new job — apply at least three weeks in advance. The receipt you receive when applying in person can serve as proof of your number in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement card if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. You can use a passport, state ID, military ID, or a combination of other documents like a birth certificate and marriage certificate. If you apply in person, bring whatever identity documents you have. The Social Security office staff will tell you if what you brought is acceptable or if you need additional documents.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

Online requests take 1 to 2 weeks. In-person applications take about 2 weeks. Mail applications take 2 to 4 weeks. If you apply in person, you receive a receipt immediately that proves your number until the card arrives.

What if I need the card before it arrives?

If you applied in person, use the receipt the office gave you as proof of your Social Security number. Most employers, banks, and schools accept the receipt. If you applied online or by mail, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask if your application can be expedited, though this is not may provide.

Can someone else pick up my replacement card for me?

No. The SSA mails replacement cards only to the address on file in your account. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you are moving, update your address in my Social Security before you request a replacement, or the card will be mailed to your old address.

Do I have to pay for a replacement card?

No. Replacement Social Security cards are always free. If a website or service charges you to get a replacement card, it is a scam. The only official way to request a replacement is through ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.